Walker County Truck Accident Lawyer
Vehicular accidents often cause significant damages, but the large size of commercial trucks can make accidents involving these particular vehicles especially devastating. If you were injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or company, a Walker County truck accident lawyer may be able to help. Each case is unique, but an experienced personal injury attorney could work to piece yours together and help you decide on the best course of action.
Types of Truck Accidents
In most cases, truck accidents stem from either mechanical issues or driver error, both of which indicate some degree of personal liability. According to Official Code of Georgia §40-6-180, no person may drive a vehicle faster than reasonable or prudent under the driving conditions. This law applies to truck drivers just as much as anyone else on the road.
Likewise, if a truck does not receive regular maintenance or a load is not secured properly, the truck’s owner, operator, or mechanic could each bear civil liability. Injured individuals should consult with a Walker County truck accident attorney to help determine who may be liable for the collision and what that might mean for their case.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Cases
As per O.C.G.A. §9-3-33, a truck accident victim must file their personal injury claim within two years of the date of the accident. After this time, he or she may lose his or her right to compensation, and his or her claim would likely be thrown out of court.
An exception to this rule, however, is if the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident. In this case, the proverbial clock does not start until the person either turns 18 or is emancipated by marriage.
Filing a Truck Accident Claim
Once the litigation process begins, the victim must prove to the court that the defendant is legally at fault for the accident. Per O.C.G.A. §51-12-33, victims must be less than 50 percent at fault to receive compensation for their injuries.
If the court finds the plaintiff less than 50 percent at fault and rules with him or her, he or she would be awarded compensation that is adjusted based on this proportion. For example, a plaintiff deemed 20 percent at fault would only receive 80 percent of their total damages.
How Could an Attorney Help?
A dedicated lawyer could help individuals injured in a truck crash through the process of investigation, claim processing, negotiation, and litigation. The investigation process may appear daunting and discouraging, but this initial step is often particularly crucial to determining the outcome of a claim. In addition, it is also the step that removes much of the workload from the victims.
The victim’s attorney could help them build a strong case for compensation by:
- Investigating the truck driver’s credentials and licensing
- Determining if the truck driver followed traffic laws
- Reviewing vehicle maintenance logs
- Analyzing the accident scene, photographs, and police reports
- Gathering and analyzing witness statements
- Identifying any vehicle defects
Once the investigation is complete, the attorney could file a claim and prepare for negotiation and litigation. Given the lengthy amount of time that investigations require, it is typically important for victims to contact legal counsel as soon as possible after their wreck.
Talk to a Walker County Truck Accident Attorney Today
Being involved in an accident can be difficult for both the victim and his or her family, as accidents may cause physical, emotional, and financial strain all at once. With the help of a Walker County truck accident lawyer, though, you may be able to receive compensation for any damages you sustained and get the justice you deserve. Call today to schedule an initial meeting.
